Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero – Rediscovering Tactical RPG Brilliance

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero brings a vibrant mix of tactical gameplay and RPG storytelling. As the direct sequel to Phantom Brave: The Hermuda Triangle, this game revisits the whimsical world of Ivoire with a fresh narrative and redefined mechanics. Perfect for fans of anime aesthetics and tactical gameplay, this hybrid adventure stands out as a must-play for newcomers and series veterans alike. Let’s dive into the demo and explore what makes this sequel shine.

Phantom Brave first debuted in 2004 as a unique addition to the tactical RPG genre. Developed by Nippon Ichi Software, the game gained a cult following for its unconventional mechanics, heartfelt storytelling, and charming visuals. The Hermuda Triangle—a remaster released years later—set the stage for this sequel, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero. Returning players will reunite with Marona, the Legendary Hero, and her Phantom protector Ash, in a story that continues six months after their triumph over Sulphur, the Lord of Terror.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero offers a mix of tactical turn-based combat, RPG exploration, and anime-inspired visuals. With accessible mechanics and engaging gameplay, it’s designed to appeal to all skill levels. As the story unfolds, you’ll command Phantoms in strategic battles, explore islands, and upgrade your arsenal.

Gameplay Action – The First Hour

From the moment the demo begins, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero feels charmingly familiar. Its colourful visuals evoke Animal Crossing vibes, while its tactical gameplay echoes classic RPGs. The game’s PEGI 12 rating makes it suitable for younger players, but its deep mechanics and strategic combat ensure broader appeal. Starting as Marona and Ash, players immediately dive into learning the basics through engaging tutorials.

The narrative wastes no time setting the stakes. Marona, now a Legendary Hero, and Ash, her Phantom protector, are drawn into new conflicts across the islands of Ivoire. A quick cutscene introduces the first battle, giving players their first taste of turn-based tactics.

Combat begins with simple mechanics: players move, attack, or interact with objects. Tutorials guide players through Ash’s combat style, emphasizing strategy over brute force. The game’s UI is intuitive, displaying turn order and character stats for seamless planning.

The second battle introduces Phantoms, who can be ‘Confined’ to objects. Each Phantom has unique abilities and limited turns, adding depth to team composition. Players also learn to utilize the environment, throwing objects for extra damage or destroying items for valuable drops.

Between battles, players explore lush islands, navigating fixed cameras and adjusting views to uncover hidden paths. While exploration feels rewarding, the controls can be finicky, requiring careful adjustments to move smoothly.

Phantom Brave’s tropical-inspired background music is a standout feature. Light and rhythmic tracks enhance the game’s relaxing island vibe, while dynamic battle themes set the tone for strategic encounters.

“Fans of anime will love the hand-drawn cutscenes and vibrant Kaiwi character models,”

The game’s strategic elements shine as players manage their Phantom army. Choosing when and how to deploy Phantoms, balancing attacks, and leveraging terrain are crucial for success.

Camera control becomes a focus as players adjust angles to optimize their view. While zooming in and out is helpful, a fixed camera option would improve the experience.

By the first hour’s end, the demo showcases Phantom Brave’s learning curve. New players will find it approachable, but mastering mechanics takes time. Series veterans will appreciate the subtle refinements to familiar gameplay.

Cutscenes and character interactions drive the narrative, drawing players deeper into Marona’s quest. With English and Japanese voice options, the game delivers an authentic anime experience.

As the first hour concludes, players unlock the ability to explore dungeons, upgrade equipment, and expand their Phantom roster. These elements hint at the game’s long-term depth and replayability.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a delightful blend of tactical strategy and RPG elements. Its engaging story, charming visuals, and approachable mechanics make it an excellent entry point for newcomers while satisfying long-time fans. Despite minor issues with controls and camera angles, the game’s strengths far outweigh its shortcomings.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero

Release Date: January 30, 2025

Available on:

Age rating:

Genre: Role Playing (RPG), Strategy

Developer: Nippon Ichi Software, Inc.
Publisher: NIS America, Inc., Reef Entertainment

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Review Score: Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero

Positives

Stunning anime-inspired visuals: Each scene feels like stepping into a beautifully crafted anime.
Catchy and immersive soundtrack: Every track enhances the gameplay experience and sets the mood perfectly.
Accessible combat mechanics: A tutorial system ensures players of all skill levels can enjoy the game.
Engaging and heartfelt story: The narrative pulls players in with its emotional depth and character growth.
Voice options in English and Japanese: Players can choose their preferred language for a fully immersive experience.
Depth in Phantom customisation and strategy: The ability to personalise your approach keeps the gameplay fresh.

Negatives

Clunky controls: Movement and actions can feel frustratingly imprecise at times.
No Fixed Camera: Constantly moving the camera around whilst moving around.
Long learning curve: Mastering mechanics may take significant effort for newcomers.
Slow story progression: The narrative takes time to build momentum, which might test player patience.
Limited exploration freedom early on: Initial restrictions can make the game feel linear at the start.
Requires a little knowledge of previous games for full appreciation: Newcomers may miss key references and nuances in the story.

Final Score: Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero captures the charm of classic tactical RPGs with a modern twist. While minor flaws like camera controls exist, the game’s vibrant visuals, engaging story, and strategic depth make it a rewarding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, this adventure is worth embarking on and it’s a solid addition to any gamer’s library. – StuMii

von 10

2025-01-28T10:29:21+0000

For those curious to see the gameplay in action, don’t miss my live stream of Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero on ‘Let’s Play‘ every Thursday at 8 PM on Twitch, Kick, Lounges and YouTube. If you miss it live? Catch the episodes the next day on YouTube and Lounges!

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Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero launches on January 30, 2025. Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Steam, choose between Digital, Deluxe, and Limited Editions for an immersive tactical RPG experience. Pre-order now and join Marona’s quest to save Ivoire!